‘Written in the stars’

To my dear Chinese colleagues and readers, may we all prosper and attract more luck and fortune this Year of the Earth Rat. Kung Hei Fat Choi!

Nineteen summers later, on a cool clear night, two hearts were recently joined together as one at the altar of Santuario de San Antonio in Forbes Park, Makati. Who would have thought that a routine college carpool ride would someday turn out to be a once-in-a-lifetime cherished occasion for Junnie Amparo and his now adorable wife Kinny Salas-Amparo. Parents of the groom Felix and Tessie Amparo and the bride’s mother Tessie Salas looked on happily at this union they proudly called “written in the stars.”

Among the female principal sponsors were Mely Hechanova, Edna Lhuillier, Dr. Elenita Binay, Chit Salud, Consul Mellie Ablaza and Justa Tantoco along with high-powered career women Dr. Vicki Belo, Nina Aguas and Esthie Ollinger. The male principal sponsors were bigwigs, esteemed public servants and notable businessmen such as former President Joseph Estrada, retired Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban, Washington Lou, Frankie de Jesus, Butch Reyes, Oscar Rodriguez and Antonio Salvador. 

With a string sextet playing liturgical music in the background and the bride’s wedding march made more poignant and meaningful to the tune of The Beatles’ Here, There and Everywhere, the ceremony was picture perfect. The reception followed at the Manila Polo Club whose main lounge was transformed into a beautiful Monet painting motif. A fireworks display provided the night sky with a festive mood with flashes of colors that seemed to echo the sound of “live happily ever after” to the bride and groom. 

Congratulations and best wishes!

Hold on tight

A heartwarming book launch by the talented Peachy Concepcion was recently held in Urdaneta Village. Drawing on fond memories of parenting, Peachy’s wistful narratives of love and hope entitled Hold On Tight enchanted the guests of the evening, including Joe and Marivic Concepcion, Joey and Marissa Concepcion, Kit Zobel, Ane Preysler, Minnie Ayala and Melissa Elizalde. All of the proceeds from the book will go to the Selecta Gawad Kalinga Village.

Congratulations on the successful launch, Peachy!

At par with the world’s best

The enchanting mountain and forest scenery of Baguio was the backdrop for the 2007 8th Chairman’s Cup at the Camp John Hay Golf Club. The tournament was a major success, thanks to the efforts of the debonair chairman himself, Bob Sobrepeña, and the hardworking CJH team of senior executives, especially CJH Hotel Corp. COO Freddie Alquiros, Club GM Jeric Hechanova and CJH Development Corp. marketing and sales SVP Shean Bedi.

This year, the sponsors for the tournament were Camp John Hay Development Corp., Club Leisure Inc., Camp John Hay Manor, Kork Inc., Camp John Hay Warbirds, Federal Management and Maintenance Inc., Wilson Sports, Baguio Country Club, Golf Force, Inc., Victorious Snack House, Nautica Corp. and MIZUNO, the no.1 supplier of all your golfing needs.

Congratulations to all the winners and participants in the tournament! Congratulations to the Camp John Hay staff for a job well done! Congratulations to Bob Sobrepeña for a successful tournament and birthday celebration!

A celebration of love

Are you ready for a romantic rendezvous on Feb. 12 to 15 where you and your special someone can enjoy an intimate Table d’hote Dinner on a private table replete with scattered pink rose petals, a gas hurricane lamp and red roses at a venue of your choice in any of the many romantic spots around Plantation Bay? A reasonably priced package per couple includes a bottle of premium sparkling wine and a gift box of hotel-made pralines. And on Valentine’s Day, a dinner buffet will be prepared at the Galapagos Beach for an affordable rate per person, including of course a rose for the lady. A celebration of love that’s truly unforgettable... only at the Plantation Bay. 

(For inquiries, please call (02) 844-5024 to 25 and (32)340-5900 or log on to www.plantationbay.com)